[pct-l] Man dies from rattlesnake bite in East San Diego County

[Ken Murray]

Just a quick medical note:  This fellow was not killed by the bite.  The speed with which he progressed to stopping breathing is more consistant with a heart attack.  I'm sure there will be an autopsy, which will prove the case.  

Even with an intra-arterial injection of venom, the time frame is much longer and gradual.

Of course, there is no doubt that the bite was the precipitator of the heart attack, probably through massive release of adrenaline due to the stress.

All of the precautions and warnings still apply, nonetheless.